mvEDGEucators 2.0 - Advanced Manufacturing

mvEDGEucators 2.0 - Aviation/Military

mvEDGEucators 2.0 - Biosciences

mvEDGEucators 2.0 - Construction

mvEDGEucators 2.0 - Data/Information Technology

mvEDGEucators 2.0 - Distribution

mvEDGEucators 2.0 - Education

mvEDGEucators 2.0 - Entrepreneur

mvEDGEucators 2.0 - Food Processing

mvEDGEucators 2.0 - Healthcare

mvEDGEucators 2.0 - Human Services

mvEDGEucators 2.0 - Law Enforcement

mvEDGEucators 2.0 - Nanotechnology

Mohawk Valley EDGE has taken on the initiative to directly introduce young people to career opportunities available to them in the Mohawk Valley. The goal of mvEDGEucators is to reverse the population trend of young people leaving the region while addressing the concern of businesses that they cannot fill jobs.

Through EDGE’s numerous one-on-one visits with local employers via its Business Outreach Program, a common theme has emerged in recent years: employers are concerned about meeting the needs of future work force requirements as their current work force prepares for retirement. Mohawk Valley EDGE recognized this was an issue across industry boundaries and responded by creating mvEDGEucators in conjunction with the School and Business Alliance (SABA) and the Workforce Investment Board (WIB).

Incorporating video clips from employees from Mohawk Valley companies, the mvEDGEucators presentation is a powerful information piece within the region’s education system. By exposing students to opportunities here in the Mohawk Valley, we are beginning to influence the decision making process of students to include career tracks within the region. Briefly, the purpose of mvEDGEucators is to Expose, Inform and Explain:

Expose audiences to the job and career opportunities in the Mohawk Valley.

Inform students and teachers of the skill sets necessary to enter and excel in these jobs and careers.

Explain the role of Economic Development organizations in the economy.

The primary industry clusters existing or planned to exist in the Mohawk Valley are further discussed with expected salary ranges for entry and intermediate levels of experience. The defined clusters are:

Nanotechnology

Biosciences

Data/ITT

Advanced Manufacturing

Military

Construction Trades

Distribution and Logistics

Food Processing/Agri-Business

Healthcare

Education

Law Enforcement

Finance/Insurance/Real Estate

Entrepreneur

Human Services

Further discussion compares the cost of living in a major metro market vs. the Mohawk Valley. In addition, the level of skills necessary to obtain these jobs is explored to make the student aware of the courses in high school, college or trade school needed to work in these jobs. College as well and BOCES and certificate trade programs are emphasized as the avenue by which these skills can be obtained.

The goal of mvEDGEucators is to leave students with the understanding that they can make a good living right here in the Mohawk Valley.